Else Beekman
Catalonia’s coastline, with its turquoise waters and sun-drenched promenades, stands out not only for its beauty but also for a seafaring tradition anchored in local sailing clubs. Now, that legacy faces a critical threat. Forty-four of the region’s 51 beach-based yacht and sailing clubs could soon disappear, caught in Spain’s strict enforcement of coastal law.
Newspaper La Vanguardia writes in this article that once vibrant centres of community sport, many may become casualties of policy. The Spanish Ministry for Ecological Transition, through its Coastal Authority, has tightened its grip on coastal regulation. Many long-established beach clubs, which include a significant number of foreign berth holders, have seen their concessions lapse and now face demolition.
The revised legislation (Law 22/1988, as amended in 2013) aims to preserve Spain’s coast for public use. It bans permanent structures and limits any activity that might obstruct beach access. In effect, authorities now reject renewal applications and issue demolition orders.
44 Catalan beach yacht clubs face demolition risk
The Catalan Sailing Federation (FCV) warns that 44 clubs face this risk. These venues represent more than recreation – they underpin Catalonia’s sporting identity. World champions and Olympic medallists launched their careers from these very ramps and classrooms.
Local councils have attempted to push back. Many clubs gained recognition as cultural assets of local interest (BCIL). But without elevation to national status (BCIN), these declarations offer little real protection. The Generalitat now faces mounting pressure to back a royal decree that would pause demolitions and reassess the law’s implementation.
Beyond the boatyards
This crackdown reaches far beyond the clubs. In Cabrera de Mar, authorities removed over 100 parking spaces near the train station. Calella’s marine biotope project stalled under legal resistance. Arenys de Mar cannot proceed with coastal restoration unless it eliminates 500 beachside parking spots. Vilassar’s fishermen’s huts along the Garbí breakwater now risk removal. The Palomares restaurant, a local fixture for five decades, was demolished despite proposals to convert it into a maritime heritage site. In Caldes d’Estrac, the historic Hotel Balneari Colón now hangs in the balance.
Critics: ‘rigid interpretation of the law’
These measures form part of a wider shift in national priorities. The government favours coastal reclamation over existing human use. But critics say this rigid interpretation of the law overlooks the cultural and functional reality of these places.
In 2019, authorities forced the closure of Club Nàutic de Pineda de Mar. It could not comply with the newly imposed 300m² surface limit. Cabrera de Mar followed in 2021. Today, most clubs operating on the beach have received orders to halt activity and restore the land.
Sitges and the symbolic fight
One case stands out. Founded in 1952, Club de Mar in Sitges boasts distinctive mid-century architecture and a beloved outdoor pool. More than a sailing centre, it serves as a community cornerstone. A court granted temporary protection, but the demolition threat persists. Coastal authorities warned the board that they could be held personally liable if they ignore the order.
Other clubs in Badalona, Vilassar, Torredembarra, Calafell, Salou, El Balís, Sa Riera, Tamariu and Vilanova continue to battle for survival. Some have held concessions since the 1960s, yet the new legal framework offers them no clear protection.
The FCV argues that the 300m² restriction makes these clubs unviable. “These clubs didn’t expand out of greed,” said one spokesperson. “They grew to meet the genuine needs of local sport.” The federation urges a more thoughtful approach, one that balances environmental concerns with Catalonia’s maritime heritage.
Without a change in approach, the region could lose more than a few seaside buildings. It would mean letting go of a rich maritime tradition that’s been part of Catalonia’s identity for decades.
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